India mourns the loss of one of her great sons

As former Prime Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party veteran Atal Bihari Vajpayee passed away at 93 on August 16, 2018, the entire country came together to mourn the loss of one of its greatest leaders. Here are some tributes:

Extremely sad to hear of the passing of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, our former Prime Minister and a true Indian statesman. His leadership, foresight, maturity and eloquence put him in a league of his own. Atalji, the Gentle Giant, will be missed by one and all #PresidentKovind

With the passing of Shri #AtalBihariVajpayee ji #India has lost its tallest leader of modern times, a political thinker whose wit was unparalleled and a champion of India – even when the motherland was marred by the emergency and had lost all hope.

I can’t think of a single politician in the 22 years I’ve been a journalist as gifted with people skills as #AtalBihariVajpayee: The art of consensus was his idea of strength as PM. Can’t think of anyone as well respected and liked across all aisles

Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the effulgent shining star in India’s political firmament, was a friendly and lovable Prime Minister India has had. In his passing away, India has lost a multi-faceted ‘Ratna’, a diamond that adorned Bharata Mata for many decades. #AtalBihariVajpayeepic.twitter.com/VqdTYoCs1X

His passing away marks the end of an era. He lived for the nation and served it assiduously for decades. My thoughts are with his family, BJP Karyakartas and millions of admirers in this hour of sadness. Om Shanti.

I have learnt with profound sorrow about the sad demise of Bharat Ratna #AtalBihariVaajpayee ji. An excellent orator, an impressive poet, an exceptional public servant, an outstanding Parliamentarian and a great Prime Minister: Dr.Manmohan Singh (file pic) pic.twitter.com/2E23QHZpbf

One of the Greatest PM this Country has ever seen.A visionary, A poet, A statesman, A man who won over million hearts. Man who deserves nothing but respect. Bharat Ratna #AtalBihariVajpayee is no more with us.His contribution for the motherland will inspire generations to come. pic.twitter.com/XhDk0WrNR5

Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the effulgent shining star in India’s political firmament, was a friendly and lovable Prime Minister India has had. In his passing away, India has lost a multi-faceted ‘Ratna’, a diamond that adorned Bharata Mata for many decades. #AtalBihariVajpayeepic.twitter.com/VqdTYoCs1X

His passing away marks the end of an era. He lived for the nation and served it assiduously for decades. My thoughts are with his family, BJP Karyakartas and millions of admirers in this hour of sadness. Om Shanti.

Atal Ji’s passing away is a personal and irreplaceable loss for me. I have countless fond memories with him. He was an inspiration to Karyakartas like me. I will particularly remember his sharp intellect and outstanding wit.

Deeply saddened at the passing away of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. A reasoned critique in opposition and a seeker of consensus as PM, Atal Ji was a democrat to the core. In his passing away, India has lost a great son and an era has come to an end. My deepest condolences.

Though we opposed each other vehemently on political & ideological issues Atal Behari Vajpayee ji’s good-nature, decency and willingness to engage with all political leaders always made him stand out. Condolences. pic.twitter.com/z6PvKWE1Go

With the sad demise of Bharatratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, We have lost a great soul, an eloquent poet, orator par excellence, an excellent human being and one of the greatest Parliamentarians of India. pic.twitter.com/xRs1ohSop8

All of us who knew Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee are saddened to hear of his passing away. He was a great leader with a great sense of compassion and humor. He will be remembered fondly by a vast number of us.

Confession: I once told Vajpayee I’d never voted for him. He squirmed in mock horror & said “abhi kuchch aur mashaqqat karni padegi,” (I’ll need to slog harder). Here was a PM you could tell you didn’t vote for, and it didn’t affect the trust, affection & time he gave you. RIP

Deeply saddened by the demise of Shri. Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, one of the greatest leaders in Indian politics.He showered fatherly affection on me.Was a great privilege to have known & worked with a great statesman like him. My thoughts are with the family at this time of grief. pic.twitter.com/vCyds9qTkn